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Lancaster Dorsal turret

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Pune
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Lancaster Dorsal turret

Post by Pune » Mon Aug 18, 2014 2:19 pm

Hi Guys,
Can anyone shed any light on the differences I've noticed with the dorsal turrets on the two Lancasters?
Cheers
Pune
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POL
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Re: Lancaster Dorsal turret

Post by POL » Mon Aug 18, 2014 2:21 pm

One is a Lancaster B.I, one is a Lancaster X.

ST24
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Re: Lancaster Dorsal turret

Post by ST24 » Mon Aug 18, 2014 2:47 pm

EGCC wrote:One is a Lancaster B.I, one is a Lancaster X.
That's not entirely the answer though. Late Mk X had the electrically operated Martin turret with 2 0.50 cal rather than the more familiar Fraser Nash type with 2 good '0.303 cals. Because of the weight of the Martin turret (though it was smaller), it is placed further forward for CoG reasons. The Martin turret also didn't need a coaming as it had internal gear that prevented the guns firing on the aircraft itself, the Fraser nash needed the coaming to prevent this.

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Re: Lancaster Dorsal turret

Post by Bushpilot » Mon Aug 18, 2014 2:50 pm

Mk 1 is a Fraser Nash turrent, the coaming is to stop the gunner shooting the top off the tail and Cockpit. Mk X turret is a Martin turret and is mounted furhter forward to maintain C of G, it has an automatic system to prevent the gunner shooting the aircraft. I'm not an expert I have just been looking a the Wikipeadia entry for the very same question as yours Pune
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22A
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Re: Lancaster Dorsal turret

Post by 22A » Mon Aug 18, 2014 5:16 pm

When I first saw the BBMF Lanc in the mid 70's, it didn't have a dorsal turret. Then it was announced one had been found in Brazil, so it was acquired and fitted. presumably the found turret is the correct type for that mark of Lanc?

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Nikon
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Re: Lancaster Dorsal turret

Post by Nikon » Mon Aug 18, 2014 5:52 pm

I heard that the turret was on display in Lincoln somewhere, (iirc. Drill Hall) and was donated to the BBMF. I also recall that Hindles of Lincoln made the metalwork as this was missing....

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NAM Updater
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Re: Lancaster Dorsal turret

Post by NAM Updater » Mon Aug 18, 2014 6:31 pm

The mid-upper turret was sourced from Argentina as explained in here http://www.lancasterassociation.co.uk/achievements

One of the turrets in this display area at NAM was once displayed (temporarily) at the Drill Hall in Lincoln; a bit different to the gigs I went to there in the 1970s!
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Pune
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Re: Lancaster Dorsal turret

Post by Pune » Mon Aug 18, 2014 7:31 pm

Hi Guys,
Thanks for all the info', interesting stuff, going to see them both in September for a close up.
Cheers
Pune
If you can keep your head whilst all around are losing theirs, you have probably completely misread the situation!!

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